Do you have a Signature Scent?

This past weekend, Alliance Women challenged us to think about the signature scent we wear on a daily basis. I remember the summer before my daughter entered seventh grade I declared, “Mags, it’s time to go shopping. My treat, for your junior high signature scent.” Her smile and excitement enhanced the aroma of our day together.  She left Bath and Body Works with the “Forever Sunshine” collection in her tote with the sweet smelling aroma spritzed on her person catching the attention of those we passed.

“Excuse me, what are you wearing? It is so refreshing.” One woman asked.

Mags told her the name and where she could purchase some for herself but before the women left, she explained why she smelled so beautiful.

“My mom treated me to a signature scent for my first year of Junior High. Isn’t it great?”

I was a proud mom, not for the praise she had given me but for the joy and excitement in her voice to have her own scent. The theme for this year’s retreat, “Simply Fragrant” hit home and left me to reflect on this shopping excursion with my teen daughter.

Last week someone told me, “Lisa, you are a good person.” I wasn’t sure how to respond to this statement. Her intent of course was to compliment me yet I felt awkward. I understood where she was coming from, appreciated her taking the time to share with me, yet, I was a bit perplexed in how I should respond. I don’t think of myself as a “good person” but I do try to do what is right and make wise decisions as it pertains to life.

It wasn’t until Sunday school this morning that the unease started to make sense. Of course, my parent’s raised me to use common sense, think of others, make wise decisions, and other moral and ethical things but as an adult I have the responsibility to not only continue these wonderful attributes but to model them for others.

I’ve spent a lifetime striving to be a “good” kid and then young woman BUT my motive was different than it is today. Growing up my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and teachers’ approval was important to me. I wanted to be the best friend, neighbor or relative I could be, and I still do. Today, I also want those around me to see a changed and renewed spirit in the Lisa they have always known.

I’m thankful for others to think I am a good person but I can’t do it in my strength or knowhow. It is only through the relationship with Jesus that I can do ALL I do. Instead of someone saying, “You always smell like cinnamon and spice.” I want them to recognize the aroma of Jesus in my life.

Instead of “Lisa, you are a good person”, I pray to hear “Lisa, there is something different about you, why do you do what you do?” and I pray to respond “Because of Jesus.” Moreover, the conversation begins, leaving a sweet smell wherever He might lead me in this life.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”
2 Corinthians 2:14b – 15

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